Research & Development

"Water is our planet's most precious resource, and many places are experiencing shortages," said Steve Jones, Garver director of water services. "We can't sit on our heels and wait for the well to run dry. The research must be performed now to enable us to build the infrastructure society will need tomorrow."

Garver's Water Technology Team (WTT) is hardly sitting on its heels. Dr. Zaid Chowdhury, an international leader in the water treatment industry, specifically biological filtration and granular activated carbon adsorption, leads the team of Garver technologists, each well-decorated by academia and renowned in their respective fields. The team also includes Jones, who is an expert in membrane technology; Dr. Mike Watts, an expert in UV disinfection and advanced oxidation technologies; Dr. Evan Tromble, an expert in modeling water and wastewater systems, as well as water resources; and Dr. Ashley Pifer, an expert in disinfection byproduct control.

"This team is always looking for innovations in water technology for advancing treatment for water, wastewater, and water reuse applications," said Dr. Chowdhury. "People in this industry are filling up conference rooms to hear what our experts have to say regarding topics of advanced technical interest."

Among the many past and ongoing projects, the WTT is working on several potable reuse research projects with the National Science Foundation, WateReuse Texas, several university research centers, and clients in Oklahoma and Texas. In 2016 the WTT expects to lead a tailored collaboration with the Water Research Foundation and the cities of Dallas and Houston to determine how to improve the drinking water supply for a population of over 10 million served.